Rent a Christmas photoshoot location in Chicago, IL

Christmas time means gathering the family for a photo shoot. Getting everyone cleaned up and ready for festive images. And then there is hiring the photographer for a booking. But have you thought about where you're going to hold your photoshoot? The first question to ask is whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor experience. Winter is a rough time of year so many families prefer indoor Christmas photoshoots. The advantages are that you aren't hindered by the weather so you can dress your very best. Studio photography indoors is more comfortable and the resulting images may not feel as chaotic as an outdoor composition. Indoor photography means perfect backgrounds and lighting for Christmas cards and social media images. On the other hand, Christmas photoshoots in Chicago with outdoor locations can be a lot of fun. Dressing up in coats, scarves, and gloves to venture out into the snow is ideal for lifestyle photography. We want to share the experience of living in Chicago with relatives, after all. Snowball fights, making snowmen, and smiling with rosy cheeks through the wind offers a more realistic picture of life in the Windy City. Which style do you prefer?

Chicago's outdoor parks are some of the finest in the country. Mature trees, historic statues, skyline views, and quiet ponds make them classic locations for an outdoor Christmas-themed family photoshoot. For these reasons, Humboldt Park in the neighborhood of the same name is one of our favorite locations. As is nearby Garfield Park. The Garfield Park Conservatory is even better as the glass greenhouses offer a warm, lush Christmas atmosphere that's at odds with the brown foliage and gray skies of the midwest this time of year. Be advised that you do need to have a photography permit issued by the Chicago Parks District for any non-commercial use, such as a family Christmas photo shoot with a professional.

There's no substitute for an outdoor photoshoot if you want a winter wonderland feel. Local parks are the best places to begin your search. And including as much of the surroundings as possible enhances the narrative. Montrose Beach offers distant skyline views and open space for winter photography. For an even more dramatic take on the Chicago skyline, try Lakeview Park and the Lurie Garden. You may have to wait for people to walk out of your scene but the results will be worth it.